Archbishop Ihor (Isichenko) Strongly Condemns Participation of Priests in Election Campaign

Archbishop Ihor Isichenko of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in a special address on the Election-2012 confirmed  the firmness of the position of the Kharkiv-Poltava Eparchy as to unacceptability of participation of priests in the election campaign in any form including running for elections or involvement in agitation.

“Addresses of priests in support of a candidate, political party or  block contradict their pastoral responsibility to God for their flock regardless of  their party or political beliefs. Staying away from the election campaign is a necessary condition  for the protection of the personal freedom of   priests and the unbiased position in the social ministry,” reads the statement of the archbishop posted by the press-service of the Kharkiv-Poltava  Eparchy of UAOC.